Aster Medcity Hosts ‘Ride for Life’ Cyclothon to Drive Awareness on Male Breast Cancer

KOCHI: As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Aster Medcity organized the ‘Ride for Life’ cyclothon to emphasize that breast cancer affects men in addition to women. The event was flagged off from the Aster International Institute of Oncology entrance by Dr. Shuhaib Khader, COO of Aster Medcity, under the theme “Ride Together: For Her, For Him too,” urging men to stay vigilant regarding early warning signs and overall breast health.

Highlighting the critical need for gender-inclusive awareness, Dr. Jem Kalathil, Lead & Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Aster International Institute of Oncology, stated that while breast cancer awareness campaigns are traditionally female-centric, approximately one percent of all diagnosed cases occur in men. He noted that due to a lack of awareness, diagnosis in male patients is often delayed, urging men to consult a doctor immediately if they detect painless lumps or physical changes in the chest area, as early detection remains the most effective defense regardless of gender. Jointly organized by the Aster International Institute of Oncology’s dedicated support program ‘Sakhi’ and the One-Stop Breast Clinic, the cyclothon route spanned from Aster Medcity to Chittoor to dispel social taboos surrounding cancer screening. The event was attended by senior leadership, including Medical Oncology Consultant Dr. Dileep Hareendran Vallathol alongside representatives of the Aster International Institute of Oncology.